Sustainability is more on people's minds than ever before, and the signage industry is definitely feeling this shift. We're noticing more and more of our customers asking about eco-friendly options as they look to reduce their environmental impact while still creating eye-catching, effective signage.
As both customers and regulators push for greener options, we're always happy to help local businesses create sustainable signage that still makes an impact. At FASTSIGNS Leeds, we know our industry has some challenges when it comes to sustainability, but we're committed to moving forward and helping customers make better choices for the planet – without ever compromising on quality.
Challenges and opportunities for sustainable signage
Many of the materials traditionally used in signage production aren’t the most eco-friendly. Some of the most effective signage solutions have typically been made from materials like PVC-based vinyl which, while long-lasting, aren't the kindest to our environment.
But the good news is, we're beginning to see some encouraging changes in the industry. Our designer, Vinny, has been keeping a close eye on how businesses and institutions are rethinking their signage materials. Having worked on countless projects at FASTSIGNS Leeds, he’s noticed a real shift in what customers are asking for – and what’s actually being used out in the world.
“I’ve noticed more galleries and museums switching to wood or cardboard for their information panels,” Vinny explains. “These would’ve traditionally been made from PVC or aluminium composite, but there’s a clear shift happening. The cardboard ones tend to have a sandwich design – corrugated card in the middle, faced with thin sheets – which makes them surprisingly sturdy. They're mostly used for indoor, temporary exhibitions.”
He also spotted a modern take on wooden signage at the National Railway Museum. “They had engraved text directly into the wood, which looks clean, simple, and – most importantly – completely recyclable. It really stood out as a great example of how businesses are taking responsibility for their materials.”
These small changes reflect a bigger shift in customer priorities. It’s not just about durability or cost anymore – people want to know that their signage has a lighter environmental footprint too.
Here are some of the ways we help our customers prioritise sustainable and eco-friendly signage:
Tailored consultations
We help you solve your sign and graphics problems in the most effective way possible. If eco-friendly signage is a priority for your business, let us know! The consultation stage of our service is designed to ensure you get the results you want.
For sustainability-focused projects, we can recommend materials like wood, cardboard and alternative recyclable options. We're seeing more customers choose these materials, especially for indoor displays and temporary exhibitions. We'll make sure any solution we recommend is fit for purpose and offers the longevity you need, which sometimes means finding the right balance between sustainability and durability. Throughout this process we're always completely transparent about the best options for you.
Reusing where possible
When it comes to replacing signage for our customers, we take a careful approach to reusing any fixtures or fittings whenever possible. This not only reduces waste and the carbon footprint of our operations, but also helps our customers save money on their projects.
Our team of experts carefully assesses the condition of each fitting to ensure it’s safe to reuse without compromising the quality of the final product. By reusing fittings and fixtures in this way, we reduce the number of new materials needed to create a new sign, lowering our impact on the environment.
"We’re always looking for ways to reduce waste, even in small ways," Vinny adds. "One thing we do is donate our coloured vinyl offcuts to local schools. Instead of throwing them away, we pass them on for art classes."
Developing our supply chain
We work with suppliers who are developing better options for the environment, including alternatives to PVC vinyl. This means we can offer you more eco-friendly choices when you need new signage. We'll always be upfront about how long these materials last, what they cost and whether they're right for where you want to use them.
Sustainability isn’t just about the materials – it’s about how we work, too. “We plan our install jobs carefully, grouping them by location and date to cut down on unnecessary travel,” Vinny says. “The same goes for deliveries, both local and national. Fewer trips mean fewer emissions, which helps us reduce our footprint.”
We’ve also signed up for a recycling scheme with our printer supplier, Epson. Vinny explains, "We store up used ink cartridges from our large-format printers and send them back in batches so they can be reused. It’s a small step, but when you think about how much ink signage printing uses, it makes sense to keep that waste out of landfill."
Through practices like these, and by constantly keeping up with new eco-friendly options, we can work with you to create signage that’s better for the environment.
Are you ready to make your statement with sustainable signage? Reach out today to find out how we can help you get your message seen while being kinder to the environment.